As we celebrate National Women's Small Business Month, we’re honored to highlight the stories of inspiring female entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of business with their resilience and innovation. These women exemplify leadership, paving the way for future generations.
Next, we’re excited to share the journey of Andria Barlage, owner of Fleet Feet. Andria’s transition from the corporate world to opening her own business is a testament to her passion for running and dedication to helping others reach their goals.
Join us as we dive into Andria’s experiences, challenges, and advice on navigating entrepreneurship, building community, and finding balance.
Next, we’re excited to share the journey of Andria Barlage, owner of Fleet Feet. Andria’s transition from the corporate world to opening her own business is a testament to her passion for running and dedication to helping others reach their goals.
Join us as we dive into Andria’s experiences, challenges, and advice on navigating entrepreneurship, building community, and finding balance.
Tell us about your career path that led you to where you are today?
I graduated from the University of Toledo with my business degree and shortly after started working at Dana. I really enjoyed my time there, but after almost five years, I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in the corporate world. I’ve been passionate about running and helping others achieve their running goals for years, so I started looking into opening my own running store. Fleet Feet is an amazing company, and the more I connected with them, the more I felt aligned with their values. Things fell into place last year, and we officially opened in November 2023.
What were some of the barriers or obstacles you’ve faced & how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the isolation of being a business owner. For weeks before opening, I was working solo at the store for 10 hours a day. After working at Dana, where I was surrounded by people all day, this was a big adjustment. Networking with other local women business owners has been a great way to combat the loneliness of business ownership.
Who inspired you to become a leader and why?
Ha! I’m not sure I would consider myself a leader. But when I think about my business and the people I’m trying to help, I often wonder, “What would my mom do?” She’s been a great example of someone who has worked very hard and earned every ounce of respect she’s been given. She’s a great friend and advice-giver, so I try to model my managerial style after her.
What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or within the company they work for?
One of the best things I’ve done is connect with other female business owners in the area. We face similar struggles as owners, and it’s nice to have a supportive community of women around.
How do you balance your career, personal life, and passions?
The honest answer is, I don’t. I don’t think you can truly have a perfect balance, but what I strive for is harmony. Some weeks, the priority is family, and other weeks, it’s the business. My wife is also a small business owner, so we really try to communicate ahead of each week so we know the expectations. It’s not perfect, but we’re surviving.
What specific strategies or resources do you believe would help women develop or enhance their leadership skills?
I think there are so many women-focused leadership classes and retreats available. The biggest thing is to take advantage of those opportunities and make sure you attend ones put on by people you aspire to be like and who have a proven track record.
What upcoming TRCC event are you most looking forward to attending?
Anything that has to do with networking!
I graduated from the University of Toledo with my business degree and shortly after started working at Dana. I really enjoyed my time there, but after almost five years, I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in the corporate world. I’ve been passionate about running and helping others achieve their running goals for years, so I started looking into opening my own running store. Fleet Feet is an amazing company, and the more I connected with them, the more I felt aligned with their values. Things fell into place last year, and we officially opened in November 2023.
What were some of the barriers or obstacles you’ve faced & how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges has been the isolation of being a business owner. For weeks before opening, I was working solo at the store for 10 hours a day. After working at Dana, where I was surrounded by people all day, this was a big adjustment. Networking with other local women business owners has been a great way to combat the loneliness of business ownership.
Who inspired you to become a leader and why?
Ha! I’m not sure I would consider myself a leader. But when I think about my business and the people I’m trying to help, I often wonder, “What would my mom do?” She’s been a great example of someone who has worked very hard and earned every ounce of respect she’s been given. She’s a great friend and advice-giver, so I try to model my managerial style after her.
What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or within the company they work for?
One of the best things I’ve done is connect with other female business owners in the area. We face similar struggles as owners, and it’s nice to have a supportive community of women around.
How do you balance your career, personal life, and passions?
The honest answer is, I don’t. I don’t think you can truly have a perfect balance, but what I strive for is harmony. Some weeks, the priority is family, and other weeks, it’s the business. My wife is also a small business owner, so we really try to communicate ahead of each week so we know the expectations. It’s not perfect, but we’re surviving.
What specific strategies or resources do you believe would help women develop or enhance their leadership skills?
I think there are so many women-focused leadership classes and retreats available. The biggest thing is to take advantage of those opportunities and make sure you attend ones put on by people you aspire to be like and who have a proven track record.
What upcoming TRCC event are you most looking forward to attending?
Anything that has to do with networking!
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